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2.6 Deputy G.P. Southern of the Chief Minister regarding actions following upholding by I.L.O. of complaint about Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007:
What actions, if any, does the Chief Minister propose to take to restore any damage to our international reputation caused by the International Labour Organisation's (I.L.O.) upholding of the complaint that the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007 and its associated codes were in violation of the principles of the freedom of association?
Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):
The comments of the ILO Committee of Freedom of Association were only received last week and are therefore still being considered. However, I believe that the thrust of the question and the reaction of the Transport and General Workers' Union significantly overstates the issue. I do not consider that the current ILO views are detrimental to Jersey's international reputation. The States has set out its commitment to introducing a range of employment legislation which is proportionate to the needs of the Island. This is a positive step forward in terms of labour relations and the rights of individuals and employers. Some of the comments made by the ILO reflect their views on existing legislation in other countries, including the U.K., and we will consider these comments very carefully in the light of what we believe is best practice elsewhere. I believe it is helpful to recognise that it is not unusual for an ILO Committee to make a number of recommendations which the state party, the country concerned, may or may not decide to accept. This is well understood in the international community and that is why I do not consider there has been any damage to our international reputation, nor do I consider that any action is necessary.
2.6.1 Deputy G.P. Southern :
Does the Chief Minister concur with the statement by the ILO to seek to ensure that labour standards are respected in practice as well as in principle in the Island?
Senator F.H. Walker :
I repeat that Jersey will take a decision for Jersey which is proportionate to Jersey and which
protects the rights of all concerned.
L:\The States\Questions\2007 Questions\oral questions for website\03.07.07\6 deputy southern to the chief minister re damage to jersey's international reputation by the ilo upholding complaint.doc